Mathura Stampedes | Allahabad High Court Seeks Details Of Comprehensive Crowd & Crisis Management Plan

Taking note of recent incidents of stampede-like crowd crush in Mathura during auspicious occasions, resulting in injuries and casualties, the Allahabad High Court has asked the district authorities whether a comprehensive plan for crowd and crisis management exists for the city. 

A bench of Justice Vinod Diwakar has also sought details of the strategies and management principles in place for handling crowd-related disasters, for sensitising stakeholders and for enhancing institutional capacity through training and awareness.

The bench was essentially dealing with a petition filed by Swami Shiv Swarupanand Ji Maharaj against the State of UP and the Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA). It was his contention that the authorities are undertaking demolition actions which are arbitrary and discriminatory, amounting to a case of "pick and choose".

He submitted that while demolition orders have been passed against 23 persons for alleged unauthorised constructions, such demolition proceedings have been selectively executed only against the petitioner and certain others.

The Court granted MVDA a final opportunity to file a comprehensive affidavit and sought details on the following issues:

(i) the status and action taken by MVDA in respect of demolition proceedings concerning all 23 properties against whom demolition orders have been passed;

(ii) the number and details of properties booked by MVDA for unauthorized construction during the last five years; and

(iii) the policy framework, statutory guidelines, standard operating procedures, and administrative mechanisms adopted by the authority to regulate, prevent, and curb unauthorized constructions within its jurisdiction

Furthermore, the Court expanded the scope of the plea, noting that the heavy influx of devotees during festivals in Mathura has led to dangerous overcrowding, raising serious concerns regarding public safety at historically significant sites.

Crucially, the Court observed that unauthorised constructions further aggravate the situation by obstructing rescue and emergency operations on such occasions.

Consequently, the Court directed the District Magistrate to disclose whether any expert body exists in the district for:

(i) understanding crowd behaviour;

(ii) coordination among stakeholders with clearly defined roles and responsibilities; and

(iii) methodologies adopted for effective crowd management.

The Court directed all concerned officers to specifically state whether any scientific studies, academic research, or institutional analyses have been conducted regarding the recent stampede-like incidents.

The affidavits should further indicate the scope, methodology, findings, and recommendations of any such studies, as well as the extent to which these insights have been considered or implemented by the District authorities in order to prevent recurrence of similar incidents.

Additionally, the Municipal Commissioner and the Senior Superintendent of Police were directed to outline the measures taken to ensure the city remains safe and livable. The matter will be heard next as a fresh case today.